How To Use PGP On Mac OS X?

 

If you want to keep your messages and files private, using PGP encryption is a great option. In this guide, we will show you how to use PGP on Mac OS X step by step. The operating system in question is OS X 10.9 Mavericks, but it should work with other versions as well. GPG Suite Beta 5 will be used as the tool itself. 

If you've done your research, you'll see that doing anything darknet-related on OS X is not encouraged, but we are not going to go through the intricacies here. You've clearly made your choice.

 

 

 

Step 1: Install GPG Suite

 

The first step in using PGP on Mac OS X is to install the GPG Suite. This is a free and open-source software package that includes everything you need to use PGP on your Mac.

 

To download the GPG Suite for MacOS, go to https://gpgtools.org and click on the "Download GPG Suite" button.

 

 

Then follow the instructions to install it on your Mac. The instructions would go like this:

• When you open the downloaded file, you should see this screen. Double-click the 'Install' button.

 

 

• Follow the installation instructions. If everything went well, you should see this screen. You can now shut the window.

 

 

Step 2: Generate Your Key Pair

 

Once you have installed the GPG Suite, the next step to use PGP on Mac OS X is to generate your key pair. A key pair consists of a public key and a private key. You will use your public key to encrypt messages or files, and your private key to decrypt them. In this case, we will use 4096 bit length for encryption.

 

• To generate your key pair, open GPG Keychain, which is included in the GPG Suite. The window below should open.

 

 

• Click on "New" on the top left to create a new key pair.

 

 

• A tiny popup should appear. Make sure the key length is 4096 by clicking the arrow next to 'Advanced settings'. We'll uncheck 'key expires' for our needs.
• Then enter your name and email address. You can also add a comment if you want.

 

 

• Choose a strong passphrase for your private key and make sure to remember it. Click on "Generate Key" to create your key pair.
• GPG Keychain will start creating your key. Move the cursor around, type in a text editor, then wait for anything to download. Make entropy for a safe key by doing random things.

 

 

• We are done with this step.

 

 

Step 3: Setting Up The Environment

 

This is where OS X distinguishes itself from other platforms and thus makes PGP on Mac OS X a bit different. Because the suite does not give a window to encrypt/decrypt communications, we must activate several parameters.

 

• Go to System Preferences and select 'Keyboard'.

 

 

• You should be able to see this window. Select 'Keyboard Shortcuts' from the top menu, then 'Services' from the left pane. Scroll down in the right pane to the 'Text' area and the OpenPGP choices. You can create keyboard shortcuts here. We'll uncheck anything under 'Text' that is OpenPGP and erase their shortcuts. 
• Now we'll enable the 'Decrypt', 'Encrypt', and 'Import key' options. If you choose, you can create keyboard shortcuts for these. Examine the image to ensure you're doing everything correctly. You are now free to close the window.

 

 

Step 4: Getting Your Public Keys

 

To send encrypted messages or files to someone, you will need their public key. You can obtain public keys easily by the following super easy steps. 

 

• Select your key in GPG Keychain.
• Click 'Export' at the top of the window.

 

 

• Give it a name, uncheck 'include secret key in exported file', and then click 'save'.

 

 

• Open your preferred text editor, navigate to where you stored the key, and then open it.
• There you have it. To make it easier for people to contact you, copy and paste this into your market profile.

 

Step 5: Getting Your Private Keys

 

This is another very simple step of PGP for Mac OS X to follow:

 

• Select your key in GPG Keychain.
• Click 'Export' at the top of the window.
• Keep the file name it generates, check 'Include secret key in exported file,' and then save.

 

 

• Keep this file in a secure location, and don't forget your password. You're screwed if you don't have it!

 

Step 6: Importing Your Public Key

 

This is quite simple.

 

• Locate the key that you want to import.
• From '—-BEGIN PGP PUBLIC KEY BLOCK—-' to '—-END PGP PUBLIC KEY BLOCK—-', copy everything.

 

 

• Paste it into your preferred text editor, highlight everything, right-click, and select 'Services', then 'OpenPGP: Import key'.

 

 

• This popup will appear, indicating that the key has been imported; click 'Ok'.

 

 

• Open GPG Keychain to ensure the key is present.

 

 

Step 7: Importing Your Private Keys

 

Again, really simple.

 

• Open GPG Keychain and select 'Import' from the top menu.

 

 

• Navigate to the location of your key, then click 'Open'. The file extension should be “.asc”.

 

 

• This message will appear to confirm that your key has been imported. Click the 'Close' button.

 

 

Step 8: Encrypt Messages or Files

 

Once you have imported the public key of the recipient, you can start encrypting messages or files. 

 

• Open your preferred text editor and type your message.
• Highlight the message, then right-click and select  "Services" and select "OpenPGP: Encrypt Selection".

 

 

• For encrypting a file, select the file, right click on it and choose "Services" and then select "OpenPGP: Encrypt File".
• A window should pop up. Enter the email address of the recipient and select their public key. Then click on "OK" to encrypt the message or file.

 

 

• Copy everything and send it to the intended recipient.

 

 

Step 9: Decrypt Messages or Files

 

Essentially the same as encrypting. To decrypt a message or file, you need to use your private key.

 

• Open your preferred text editor and paste the message.
• Highlight everything, then right-click and select 'Services', 'OpenPGP: Decrypt'.

 

 

• For decrypting a file, right click and choose 'OpenPGP: Decrypt'.
• A window should appear. Enter your passphrase, then press the 'Ok' button.

 

 

• You’re done!

 

 

Conclusion

 

Using encryption such as PGP on Mac OS X is a great way to keep your messages and files private. By following these simple steps, you can easily use PGP on your Mac and protect your data from prying eyes. Remember to always use a strong passphrase for your private key and keep it safe.

 

Resources:

 

Implementing PGP In Linux OS

A Proper Way To Use PGP in Tails